The 6e explored Brussels and the EU institutions together with students from Limasol and Crete
Tuesday
On Tuesday, the 10th of March, our school trip to Brussels began early in the morning. We met at 7:05 amat Vienna Airport. After a smooth check-in process, we boarded our flight, which took off at 9:05 am and landed in Brussels at 10:50 am. Upon arrival, we made our way to the Meininger City Centre, our hostel located near the picturesque canal, just a ten-minute walk from the vibrant city centre. After checking in and settling into our rooms, we set off for our first major activity with our partners from Heraklion, Greece and Limasol, Cyprus: a visit to the Parlamentarium, the visitors‘ centre of the European Parliament. It serves as a comprehensive educational facility that aims to promote understanding of the European Union’s functioning and its impact on citizens‘ daily lives.
At the Parlamentarium, we all took part in a role-play game involving the students from Greece and Cyprus, where each of us took on the role of a representative from one of four political parties. The discussions involved issues, such as free internet access for all and promoting environmentally friendly food. After debating these topics, we voted in favour of both initiatives, marking a collaborative decision. After the activity, we returned to the hostel, where we gathered to plan our dinners. Some students ventured out to explore local culinary delights, while others opted for a more casual meal back at the hostel. Later, we enjoyed some time in the common area, sharing our thoughts about the day. (Ibo, 6e)
Wednesday
On Wednesday, our day began with breakfast at our hostel. After that, we set off for the European Council where we met our partners from Greece and Cyprus to learn more about the EU together. We went through security and were greeted by our guide, who accompanied us throughout our visit. On our way to the conference room, we saw a copy of the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to the European Union in 2012 for its role in promoting peace and reconciliation in Europe. Anna, a staff member of the European Council, provided us with an insightful overview of what the Council and its functions within the EU, including how it operates through various institutions like the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Council itself. During her presentation, Anna explained the presidency rotation within the EU, ensuring that member states take turns leading the Council. We also learned about the voting system in the Council.
After the presentation we had the opportunity to ask the questions we prepared. Following the presentation, our group, along with students from Greece and Cyprus, moved to the city centre. There, our teachers assigned us a scavenger hunt, where we were placed in international groups to find specific spots and take photos. This interactive activity allowed us to engage meaningfully with our surroundings while collaborating with classmates from different countries. Some of the iconic landmarks we explored, were Manneken Pis, Galerie Saint-Hubert, the Grand Place, with its breathtaking architecture of guild houses, and we enjoyed discovering some of Brussels‘ famous chocolatiers (Neuhaus, Godiver, Leonidas…), sampling exquisite chocolates along the way. Later, Sara, Layal, Ammar, Rion, and I went grocery shopping for the ingredients needed to make pasta and pancakes for a common dinner. We cooked together, enjoying the process and savouring the delicious meal we created. (Loren, 6e)
Thursday
On Thursday, we visited two of the most important institutions of the European Union alongside the students from Greece and Cyprus. First, we went to the European Commission. There, we learned how the commissioners work and how the organization within the Commission is structured. The European Commission employs about 32,000 people and consists of around 50 departments, as well as six executive agencies. It is responsible for proposing new laws and implementing EU policies. The European Union comprises 27 countries with a population of approximately 450 million people and 24 official languages. Twenty-one of these countries use the Euro as their currency. The EU offers many advantages for its citizens, such as the freedom of movement between member states, cooperation in healthcare, no roaming charges when using mobile phones in other EU countries, a common charger for many electronic devices, and strict safety and product standards.
In the European Union, decisions are made in various ways. Some powers are exclusive, meaning only the EU can decide on those matters. Other powers are shared between the EU and the member states. In some areas, the EU only supports the actions of individual countries. After visiting the Commission, we had the opportunity to enjoy typical Belgian fries, which was a delightful treat. Following that, we visited the European Parliament. There, we had the chance to ask questions and learn more about the Parliament’s work. We also saw the plenary chamber, where the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) hold their sessions. Since 2024, the European Parliament has 720 MEPs who work in various political groups and represent the citizens of the EU.
During our visit, we learned about the history, locations, and institutions of the European Union, along with how the EU decision-making process functions. We also discussed how a Member of the European Parliament can lose their position, the influence of war on Parliament’s decisions, and how citizens affect Parliament through elections. (Rion, Ammar, Loren, 6e)
Friday
On Friday, the 13th of March, we got up very early since the whole group had to catch a train to Amsterdamin the morning. We left at 7:00 am to get to the Brussels Ziud, where we boarded our train to Amsterdam. Before the trip, we were assigned different places in Amsterdam, and in pairs, we had to present them. The first place we visited was Vondelpark, one of the largest and most famous parks in the city. Sara and Mariiapresented the parc, discussing its history and importance as a social and recreational space for both locals and tourists. Following the same principle, we walked to the Rijksmuseum, which houses an extensive collection of Dutch art and history, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Next, we explored the picturesque Grachten (canals) that are a UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by a stroll through the lively Negen Straatjes, known for its unique shops and boutiques. One of the highlights of the day was visiting the Anne Frank House, where we learned about Anne Frank’s life and the historical context of her story. The visit was both moving and educational.
Later, we also visited Dam Square, the heart of Amsterdam, where we saw the Royal Palace and the National Monument. We explored the Wallen, the city’s famous red-light district, known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Finally, we headed to one of the biggest interactive science museums, NEMO. Although we didn’t go inside the NEMO museum, we still had a lot of fun exploring the area outside and engaging with the interactive exhibits available there. Overall, it was an exciting day filled with learning and exploration in Amsterdam! (Lisa, Viraj, 6e)
Saturday
On our last day, March 14th, 2026, we woke up and finished packing our luggage. Afterwards, we spent our free time in the centre of Brussels, where many of us bought souvenirs, took pictures, and enjoyed some food. After picking up our luggage at the hotel, we made our way to a chocolate factory called “Concept Chocolate.” There, we learned about the history of chocolate and how it is produced. We also found out that Belgium and Switzerland produce some of the best chocolate in the world and that many brands claim to be Belgian because there is no law protecting this label. A special highlight was designing our own chocolate, which was a lot of fun. While waiting for it to be ready, two of us had the chance to fill pralines ourselves. Once our chocolates were packed, we headed to the airport and flew back to Vienna.
Our trip to Brussels and the EU institutions with students from Cyprus and Greece was a huge success. We learned a lot while working together and had fun collaborating on projects. Before we finally met in Brussels, we exchanged introduction letters and videos and even created podcasts about EU institutions. Everyone enjoyed the experience, and we are excited to visit Cyprus next year and meet up again. (Xue-Ling, Milana, 6e)
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